Considered controversial by some, the author Iann Fox has been stirring intrigue by exposing his readers to sensitive topics that occur in our society and touch on conspiracy theories. In an informal conversation, Iann Fox talks a little about his literary journey and reveals his inspirations, fears, and motivations.
Iann, being Brazilian and living abroad, have you ever experienced prejudice from potential readers?
No. If I have been a victim of prejudice, I was unaware of it.
How does living in another country influence your writing? What methods do you use to maintain your Brazilian essence?
Actually, I don’t try to maintain a “Brazilian essence.” Having had the opportunity to get to know various cultures, I realize it doesn’t matter where you come from because our fears and passions are similar, though about different things. What was the other part of the question?
If living in another country influences your writing.
Oh, yes, of course. It does influence me. I couldn’t write about something I don’t know because my style is to use real facts and places.
How did your literary career begin?
It started with the desire to deliver an enlightening message to others. It took many years of research and learning to reach this work.
The work in question is the book The Lost Candle: Collapse of Dogmas. Will there be a sequel?
Yes, I plan on it.
Can you say more about that?
Although the book’s main plot has been resolved, some questions remain unanswered for readers, and there’s a reason for that. These questions will be answered in my next work… or next works. At the right time.
Next works?
Maybe. There’s a lot of information to share with readers.
Can you share some of that information now?
No. Sorry. It will be revealed at the right time.
Okay (pause). Iann, you told me off the record that The Lost Candle: Collapse of Dogmas emerged after you observed how the attacks on September 11 caused fear and prejudice in the U.S. population. Personally, how did this event affect you? Where were you on the day of the attacks?
I was in Florida, driving to work. I heard on the radio that a small plane had collided in New York, they still didn’t know exactly what had happened. I got to the office, turned on the TV, and couldn’t believe what I was seeing: it was the second plane hitting the other tower. It was a day filled with fear because we didn’t know where else they would attack. Florida could have been one of the targets. Then came the period of mourning. I remember that radio stations didn’t play some songs like “What a Wonderful World.” The world turned upside down. Then came the prejudice, especially against Muslims, which hadn’t existed at that level before the attack.
Why the mystery about your true identity? Why hide behind a pseudonym? Do you fear that your books could bring danger to you or those you love?
Yes, I fear for my family, mainly. There are people who don’t want the facts I expose to be public knowledge.
Why did you decide to publish the book first in Portuguese? Do you plan to translate your works into English?
I’m rewriting it in English, although all the expressions used fit both languages. I was thinking in both languages as I wrote. I have two reasons for releasing The Lost Candle first in Portuguese: in this language, genders are more complicated, those who read it will understand what I mean, and the other reason is that Brazil is in more danger at the moment.
Danger? What kind of danger?
The dangers I mention in the book.
Are they real?
Yes. Unfortunately.
Knowing this, do you still plan to return to Brazil?
Maybe I’m already in Brazil doing research for my next book.
I see (pause). Like Umberto Eco, you’re releasing your first book after the age of 40. Do you feel that age is a decisive factor in your writing? To what extent have maturity and experience influenced your work?
Thank you for the comparison with Umberto Eco (laughs). I wish I could reach his level of writing! Michelle, I believe experiences are the raw material for a writer. So, yes, maturity and experience are essential. Besides, the research took many years. I wouldn’t have achieved the same result and depth if I had written The Lost Candle when I started researching seriously, about 15 years ago. It probably wouldn’t even have the same title. Watching real history unfold before my eyes helped a lot. Today, even after the book’s release, I see news that confirms facts I wrote about in it.
Would you like to mention any?
No. That would be a spoiler.
You’ve been a Mason for 20 years. Does Freemasonry inspire your works?
Yes, Masonic principles are part of my life and my works.
What are those principles? Can you share them?
Of course! Liberty, equality, and fraternity. All men and women should be free and equal as brothers and sisters, children of the same God. The essence of Freemasonry is virtue, and its goal is the development of Humanity.
Freemasonry is seen as a secret society shrouded in mystery, generating great curiosity about its actions. Your writings have strong themes related to religion and political conspiracies. Are your books a new way to promote Masonic ideas? Have you ever felt coerced by this institution?
Coerced by Freemasonry? No, I’ve never heard of Freemasonry coercing anyone. That would go against our principles. My book shows what Freemasonry truly is or should be. I tried to represent what I know faithfully, both for Masons and non-Masons. Freemasonry is not a religion, but it certainly has religious ties. It’s a society with secrets, but it’s not secret. If it were, the temples wouldn’t be listed in phone directories. If phone directories still exist… but you understand what I mean.
Yes, I understand. Your social media features several posts about events in Brazilian politics. What is your opinion on Brazil’s political landscape? Do you plan to write about this topic?
Nowadays, the limits of what is and isn’t political are being blurred and destroyed. Some things are simply right or wrong and have nothing to do with politics, but they’re being perceived as relative, for reasons and interests that I expose in the book.
Your book The Lost Candle: Collapse of Dogmas, though fiction, presents historical facts and events in its narrative. Why? What is the goal of the book? Why Collapse of Dogmas?
My intention is to make unknown facts known. The goal is to bring knowledge and combat intolerance, but the final objective is to make people think. I believe that everyone who reads it, even those who don’t like it, will think about what I wrote. And that’s where dogmas come in, as ideas that don’t allow disagreement. By not questioning dogmas, people are manipulated. That’s why I aim to destroy dogmas in general, whether they’re religious, personal, or otherwise. People need to think for themselves.
Your work is a thriller. Do you dream of seeing it adapted for other platforms like cinema or streaming?
It’s a possibility, though the script would need to be adapted… You know? Otherwise, the plot wouldn’t work. There’s a twist… I’m not sure how that would be done, but it’s not my concern at the moment. Everything in its own time.
How can readers acquire your works and contact the author?
The website provides all the details about the upcoming release of The Lost Candle in English. Once the book is published, you’ll find information on where to purchase it. Visit www.iannfox.com for updates.
Finally, what message do you want to leave for your readers?
I hope that once The Lost Candle is released in English, it resonates with American readers and meets their expectations.
